held up, hit 12th, pushed along when mistake 4 out, pulled up before next
in touch, led 5th, clear when blundered 4 out, easily
led, headed 5th, ridden after 12th, weakening when mistake 4 out, well behind when jumped slowly 2 out
prominent, ridden after 12th, no chance with winner from 4 out
held up, went 3rd and not fluent 4 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching 2 out
behind when mistake and unseated rider 1st
There are plenty of questions about most of these and the one with least of those is Zaffaranni. The Denis Caro-trained gelding was rated 103 over hurdles after his Ludlow win last December, which would be good enough here. He also looked to be more of a chasing type, will love the ground and should stay well, so he gets the TEAMtalk vote. No Quarter has to shoulder top weight and looks to have plenty to find with the selection at least based on hurdles form. However, he is sure to have been well prepared by Kim Bailey and should give a good account of himself. Grumpy Stumpy has not really lived up to the promise of his narrow defeat here in a bumper. He does at least have chasing experience on his side, but looks a pretty moderate sort. Jazz Duke is one who could make the frame again. Still a novice after three seasons of chasing, he stays well enough and has some ability, but would prefer some cut and is unlikely to break his duck here. Of the others, Gallion's Reach picked up a Stratford race in June but now looks exposed.
